Sunday Horse Racing Tips from Andy Holding

The race won by The Folkes Tiara at Leopardstown on Boxing Day was noted for its strong overall speed figure and having run extremely well on his first try in handicaps of that nature, SNAKE OIL (best price 11-4) has a golden chance to build on that effort in this much weaker affair on paper. 

Considering he still appeared a bit of a work in progress over his fences based on his performance against the likes of Grangeclare West and Corbett’s Cross over today’s course back in November, it seemed a baptism of fire connections asking him to tackle a competitive handicap chase over two miles around the Dublin track last time out, but to his great credit, he coped admirably. 

Jumping way better than he did previously, Barry Connell’s inmate stayed on strongly in the final half a mile to finish within four lengths of the winner and in doing so, he superseded anything he’d previously achieved in either discipline. 

Obviously, he’s facing a similar field of experienced handicappers for the second time and life in this lane can be taxing for a novice but there’s no doubt he has enough quality to prove equal to the task and he deserves to be played accordingly.

A cracking novice hurdle in prospect with many improving types going to post, none more so than recent Sandown winner Classic Anthem who will no doubt have the final of this series on the horizon after qualification here this afternoon. There also West Warhorse who stepped up markedly on his previous effort at Fakenham last time out, seemingly appreciating the longer trip and Rock Danse will no doubt have his supporters too. 

The big fly in the ointment to all three previous hurdle winners is WALKS LIKE THE MAN (best price 11-2) and following a more than satisfactory debut in this sphere over today’s course last time out, he could be the one to make the biggest step forward. 

Quietly fancied behind two highly regarded and well fancied runners at the Sussex venue, Anthony Charlton’s inmate was held up just off the pace heading out onto the second circuit, but such was the pace set by the two principals in the final mile (five seconds quicker than the other maiden hurdle over 2m4f), he found himself at the pin of his collar throughout that time frame. However, he stayed on nicely enough late on to suggest a step up in trip would be more beneficial in the long term and with today’s race likely to be run at a less frantic tempo, he can work his way into the business end of proceedings at his leisure. 

Being a dual Irish point winner and successful in a heavy ground bumper would also back up that view and anything other than a positive display would have to go down as a bitter blow to all concerned. 
 

DOM OF MARY (best price 4-1) has long suggested a race of marathon proportions would come his way one day and following two promising efforts so far this term, David Bridgwater’s gelding can finally deliver the goods. 

Having his first outing of the season here back in November, presumably to get reacquainted with the track, the son of Saddler maker just lacked a little match practice after a 184-day break, but he did keep on strongly enough in the closing stages to point towards him being an even bigger threat over an extra half a mile on his return visit.

In even more choppier waters at Cheltenham last timeout, the eight-year-old performance perfectly respectably against many horses rated way beyond 130 and considering he got badly hampered at the third and generally messed about off the home turn, his effort was even more praiseworthy. 
A thorough stayer who still looks off a handy mark and has the services of Welsh National winning pilot Caoilin Quinn to call on, everything looks set fair for him to put up a bold show. 

SHAHEEN SAQAAR (NAP) (best price 11-4) proved a bit of a revelation dropping in distance to today’s C&D last time out and providing they go a gallop like what was on the table here eight days ago, a repeat looks the most likely outcome. 

Failing to see out the trip at Lingfield two starts ago, Ed Dunlop’s gelding was very strong in the market to appreciate two furlongs less on his second visit to the Dunstall Park venue and having been held up off decent fractions, he came through powerfully in the latter stages to send his supporters home happy. 

The way he hit the line and speed figure he produced all pointed towards a four-year-old just finding his peak form and other than the similarly progressive Charlie’s Choice from the same age category, today’s contest doesn’t appear any stronger than the one captured last time.